Maui News

Precursory activity at Kīlauea on Hawaiʻi Island has paused, but an episodic fountaining eruption is forecast to occur sometime between today and April 15.  Fountaining episodes typically last less than 12 hours but ash can remain in the air longer depending on wind and weather.

Hawai’i airports brace for an influx of interisland passengers traveling to Hilo for the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival, ongoing until April 11.

Running through May 3 in stores and online, the campaign takes place at all nine Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Hawaiʻi, offering customers simple ways to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Maui County departments presented budget proposals for fiscal year 2027 that prioritize rebuilding fire-damaged facilities in West Maui and expanding social services for the island’s aging population.

Golfing areas will be adjusted from April 13-16, 2026, while Waiehu Municipal Golf Course greens are aerated, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. The work is weather permitting.

A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire state through Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service reports that low pressure developing west of the islands will draw abundant moisture northward as it strengthens during the next couple of days. This will bring potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms leading to flash flooding over all Hawaiian islands.

As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric will begin this month using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas throughout Moloka‘i. Inspections will continue through May 2026. The drones play a critical role in the inspection process in Maui County, and on Hawai‘i Island and Oʻahu as the technology enables Hawaiian Electric to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires.

Two schools on Maui will be closed today, Wednesday, April 8. In East Maui, Hāna High & Elementary School is closed due to heavy rains and flooding conditions affecting safe access to the campus. In Wailuku, Henry Perrine Baldwin High School is also closed due to a lack of running water caused by issues related to a nearby construction […]

The inaugural season will culminate in the state championship, scheduled for May 1-2 at Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Maui’s north shore. A total of 174 student-athletes will qualify for the championship meet, representing the top surfers from across the islands.

*****Disclaimer/Graphic Content: Discretion is advised due to graphic and violent content.*****. The trial for a Maui doctor accused of trying to kill his wife while on a hike on O’ahu last year, nears completion as closing arguments wrapped, and jury deliberations began on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.  

The Maui community and extended ʻohana pause to honor and celebrate the life of Mercer “Chubby” Vicens, a respected community leader, dedicated volunteer, and beloved friend.

County of Maui officials are urging residents to prepare for a third kona storm that may bring heavy rainfall to Maui County – just weeks after two back-to-back kona storms hit parts of Maui Nui in March. Meanwhile, County departments are taking steps to prepare while responding to damages from recent storms.

The community is invited to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and talent at the upcoming Art of Trash 2026 event. Opening day is April 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Maui Mall Village.

There were no overflows from either of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruptive vents in the past 24 hours, according to the daily update from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival (WFF) is announcing its first wave of selections and key partnerships ahead of its debut, June 17 to 21, 2026, in historic Wailuku. Over five days, the County-supported festival will connect filmmakers and audiences to celebrate storytelling rooted in place, culture and collaboration.

The evening budget meetings scheduled for Wednesday in Kīhei and Thursday in Lahaina have been rescheduled to April 14 and 17, respectively, because of the island’s current flood watch, Council Vice-Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura announced.

A family of three was returned to Chuuk State, part of the Federated States of Micronesia, following search and rescue operations conducted by the Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett crew on April 6, 2026.

South Kīhei Road will be closed between North Kīhei Road and Ohukai Road starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, and continuing through April 15, 2026, to repair damage from recent kona storms, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works.

Organizations in Maui County receiving OHA funds for flood recovery include: $20,000 to Maui Rapid Response; $10,000 to Molokaʻi Cares; and $10,000 to Hoʻakā Mana on Molokaʻi.

Increased moisture will bring periods of heavy rain and a risk of flash flooding to the entire state by the end of this week and possibly into the weekend, with the most likely period of significant impacts during a period from Wednesday night, April 8, through early Friday, April 10.